melaniejane: Bio

FOR THE RECORD:

"melaniejane" is one-word and all lower-case letters. really. :)

WHO WHEN WHAT...

CURRENT STATE OF THE NATION:
Although melaniejane still continues to perform solo, melaniejane performs primarily with pat mAcdonald in the power-duo "Purgatory Hill" as--what she affectionately calls herself--his "sideguy," "co-pilot," and/or "partner-in-crime." Playing electric cello, percussion, keyboard, background vocals and accordion against his raw guitar, cigarbox guitar, harmonica and full-out, rock-on stomp board, these two carry the weight of a full band. 2012 will see the release of their 2nd album, "Invisible Pistols." (www.PurgatoryHill.com)

STEEL BRIDGE SONGFEST, DARK SONGS, THE HOLIDAY MUSIC MOTEL

The summer of '07 brought about a life-changing experience for melaniejane. That experience was none other than the honor of an invitation by pat mAcdonald to participate as a songwriter at the Steel Bridge SongFest (SBSF) in Sturgeon Bay, WI. This week-long collaborative songwriting event provided such an intense, life-changing experience that melaniejane increased her involvement in 2008 by working under pat mAcdonald and his sister Christie Weber (the founders and long-time event directors of SBSF) to help coordinate the event. She has since continued to work with pAt to coordinate not only Steel Bridge SongFest but also its offshoot, "Dark Songs," a similar collaborative song-writing event held at the end of October. Both events are based at The Holiday Music Motel.

In August on 2011, melaniejane found herself having grown into a larger role at The Holiday Music Motel. An important artistic hub, the motel provides not only lodging for the average traveler but is also an essential element in the developing music scene in Sturgeon Bay by hosting a variety of music events from house concerts to open-mics to the aforementioned Steel Bridge SongFest and DarkSongs festivals. From performing with pAt in Purgatory Hill and as a solo artist, to coordinating, to managing operations, melaniejane's role at The Holiday seems to be the place where it all comes effortlessly together.

please visit www.HolidayMusicMotel.com and www.SteelBridgeSongFest.org for more information

GOOD CAUSES

melaniejane has proudly donated performances as part of fundraising events for Citizens for Our Bridge / Steel Bridge SongFest (Sturgeon Bay, WI), The Hunger Task Force (Nod to Bob @ Linneman's Riverwest Inn), Gilda's Club, Jamin' for the Arts (to benefit the arts programs in the Racine/Kenosha school districts), Hurricane Jam Relief Fund, The American Diabetes Association, The Women's Shelter Coalition, Empty Bowls (proceeds feed the homeless), WAVE and Brady Campaign (for more strict and sensible handgun laws), The Bridge School for Physically Challenged Children (founded by Neil Young), GoGirlsMusicFest "Get Hip to Hep C"..... whenever possible, please support these fine organizations!!!! (links to these organizations can be found on my "links" page)

AIRPLAY

melaniejane's music has been featured on National Public Radio's 'Car Talk' as well as college radio stations both in the US and in Europe. She has also been a featured guest on Wisconsin Public Radio's "Higher Ground" and the popular syndicated radio show "Hotel Milwaukee" as well as a frequent, live on-air guest in the WMSE studios. Recently mj appeared with pat mAcdonald on the NPR nationally syndicated program 'Whad'Ya Know?' hosted by Michael Feldman.